Captain
Andrew Turkstra

Member since January 2017 Nanaimo, Canada
Background
I have been fishing all my life. Many had suggested I become a fishing guide, so I took their advice and after working for a number of different fishing charters on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I started my own business called Reel Time Fishing Charters. With a passion for boating, fishing and the enjoyment of helping people catch fish, there has been no looking back!
Techniques
Trolling and jigging

Hey, I'm Captain Andrew Turkstra

Nanaimo, Canada
Background
I have been fishing all my life. Many had suggested I become a fishing guide, so I took their advice and after working for a number of different fishing charters on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I started my own business called Reel Time Fishing Charters. With a passion for boating, fishing and the enjoyment of helping people catch fish, there has been no looking back!
Techniques
Trolling and jigging
Anglers Choice
127
Reviews
57
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(127 reviews)
Angler's choice
Nanaimo
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $394

Fishing Reports

May is the Month for Lingcod
May is the Month for Lingcod
May 1, 2025 Nanaimo
May is the Month for Lingcod They may be scary looking, but they sure are tasty. In fact, if I had to choose between halibut or lingcod, Iโ€™d pick lingcod any day of the week. Problem is, I have always found them to be a little tricky to catch. So, when I do fish for them, I check tides and tide tables religiously. Once fishing, I work ledges and drop-offs keeping my bait as close to the bottom as possible. The preferred method by many is jigging for lingcod. I like trolling for them using 4 to 8 oz swimbaits. Itโ€™s a lot of work and you must be on your toes since you are constantly bringing gear up and/or dropping it back down. But it can be a very effective way of hooking these โ€œbucket headsโ€ as they are sometimes called. On opening day this year, my group of two and I were greeted by a beautiful sunny morning. Knowing I just missed the tide change on an ebb tide, I choose to fish the northwest side of Gabriola. Trolling two of my favorite 4 oz swimbaits, I watched my depth as I began to work an edge. Once alongside of Gabriola Island near the old Cannery, we finally started having some action. Unfortunately, our customers where Quillback, Cooper Rock Fish, and a very nice Yellow Eye and an undersized Lingcod. We still hadnโ€™t found our prize fish. With about an hour left in the trip, I was bringing up the gear as the depth changed from 160 to 90 feet when I noticed a slight bounce on the portside rod. I grabbed the rod yanking the line off the clip. I quickly handed the rod over to my guest and asked, โ€œfeel any better this time?โ€ โ€œOh yesโ€ was the reply. Five minutes later, we had our first nice lingcod aboard. Oh yeah! If you enjoy eating white meat from the ocean, Lingcod is the way to go. And, with salmon closed until the beginning of June, it is all weโ€™ll be fishing for. As I tell my guests, May is the month for Lingcod.
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Another Day In Paradise!
Another Day In Paradise!
Mar 22, 2025 Nanaimo
It doesn't happen every trip but this morning it did. Great weather, superb fishing and whale sightings. Fishing for Chinook salmon has been surprisingly good considering all of the herring (bait fish) that are currently in the area. In fact, it may be the best I've seen in years. The fish are also larger than average for this time of year. Of the 5 fish we hooked in less than three hours, 4 were close to the mid teens (12/13 lbs or 5 kgs ). Crabbing also remains fair to good as well. With just over a week to go before the Chinook salmon season closes (April 1st), now is the time to get out there and enjoy the amazing scenery, awesome fishing and hopefully..., some warmer weather :).
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Spring Break Specials from Reel Time Fis
Spring Break Specials from Reel Time Fis
Feb 28, 2025 Nanaimo
March is the month for Spring Break. March is also the month to discover and enjoy the amazing fishing, nature and history offered around the Harbor City of Nanaimo. Hi, my name is Captain Turk, owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. For almost two decades I have had the privilege of showcasing the beauty of BCโ€™s west coast. Believe me when I say, the opportunity never gets old. If you are visiting or living locally here in BC, Iโ€™d like to invite you on a Fishing Charter or Scenic & Wildlife tour. The experience is something you may never forget. When it comes to Chinook Salmon fishing, Nanaimo is well known. And over the past few months, fishing for โ€œKingsโ€ has been exceptional. They look good, fight good and taste good. Crabbing is also something worth trying. If fishing isnโ€™t your thing, book one of our unique scenic and wildlife tours. There is so much to see and discover. Nanaimo and surrounding islands are rich in wildlife and full of history and folklore. Youโ€™ll be amazed at all sights as well as their historical and cultural significance. Make Spring Break 2025 a spring to remember. Take in the breath-taking beauty of the land from the wonder of its waters. Chances are good, you wonโ€™t be disappointed.
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Adrenaline Ruch, Salmon Fishing, Nanaimo
Adrenaline Ruch, Salmon Fishing, Nanaimo
Jan 23, 2025 Nanaimo
Adrenaline Rush, Salmon Fishing, Nanaimo B.C. The adrenaline rush for me usually starts the night before. After all these years, sleep still comes slowly as I lay awake contemplating where Iโ€™ll be going and what Iโ€™ll be using. Awakened by my alarm the next morning, I am greeted by a bright orange sunrise. Oh ya, another day in paradise! Dressing in my winter woollies, I grabbed a coffee and drove down to the docks where my trusted steed awaited. Thirty minutes later, I was on my way with four enthusiastic quests eager to embark on a new adventure in life. After dropping a crab pot, we motored out to the fishing grounds. Ten minutes in, we had our first fish to the boat. Just shy of the legal limit, we released it and doubled back. When the rod went off this time, I knew we were into a better fish. Handing the rod over to an experienced angler, it was all smiles all the way in. A beautiful 75 cm Chinook. โ€œLargest fish so far this seasonโ€ I said to my group. What I didnโ€™t knowโ€ฆ, it was about to get better. A little over an hour later, the port side rod went off. I knew it was something big when it hit, popped the clip, and was off on a tear. โ€œFish onโ€ I cried! With the rod doubled over, it was the usual deep down head shaking madness followed by a short run halfway to the boat and then another short run right beside the boat. Finally, she was in the net. Wow, a beauty measuring 76 cmโ€™s. โ€œMy heart was beating like crazyโ€ said the women once the fish was aboard. Yep, I thought to myself. Its something I have often heard my guests say after fighting one of these incredible fish. They truly can be an adrenaline rush. We boxed one more fish that morning before heading back to retrieve the crab pot full of Dungeness. What a day! What a gift! As their first Westcoast salmon adventure, it was an exhilarating experience. I am sure it will not be their last.
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Great Fishing Continues in Nanaimo
Great Fishing Continues in Nanaimo
Jan 12, 2025 Nanaimo
A Pot of Gold and A Cooler of Fish More and more, I hear my guests talk about the beauty of British Columbia when they see it from the water. This past Sunday, January 12, it was the stunning skyscapes that captivated us. The forecast had been for a sunny day with light winds. A favorable combo for my 4 guests who hailed from Saskatchewan. Instead, it was windy with a unique mixture of storm clouds above us while to the east snow-covered mountains gleamed in the clear skies of the morning sun. Unsettling yet stunning at the same time! We even managed to see a rainbow (you can just make it out in the first photo). And you know what they say about rainbows, there is always a pot of gold on the other side. We were not disappointed! The action that morning started off slow. Nothing for the first 45 minutes. And then, almost as if someone turned on a switch, the bite came on. And what a bite! Winter chinook fishing in January typically means weeding through several fish before hooking a good one. Not this time. Most of the fish were well over the legal size limit. We even landed two that topped the tapes at 70 cm. Astonishingly, only two and a half hours into the trip, we had a cooler full of fish. Then, as abruptly as the bite turned on, it turned off again. No matter. A good time was had by all! It's been said that nothing lasts forever. But that morning, we left with amazing memories. Much needed medicine in a world of change and challenge. My guests assured me theyโ€™d be back for more.
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The 2025 Season Begins with Great Action
The 2025 Season Begins with Great Action
Jan 1, 2025 Nanaimo
Itโ€™s a new year which means a new season for Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours. And for the first time, our first charter was New Yearโ€™s Day. With recent reports of good Chinook fishing and favourable conditions for the afternoon (windy and overcast), we set for a few of my favorite hotspots, Horsewell Channel and Neck Point. Eager to drop the first line, I forgot to set the tension on the starboard side reel. Result? A major birdโ€™s nestโ€ฆaargh!!! After a few unsuccessful attempts at untangling it, I went over and dropped the port side line before returning to the mess. To my astonishment, it didnโ€™t take more than 60 seconds before my guests were excitingly pointing at a bouncing port side rod. Fish on! The action was consistent for the remainder of the afternoon. Unfortunately, the fish coming to the boat were all between 59 and 61 cm, just shy of the legal limit. Finally, just past Neck Point, we hit a good one that measured 65 cm. Later that afternoon, in front of Clark Rock, we lost the best fish of the dayโ€ฆ, the big one that got away! All in all, a great afternoon on the water with lots of action. Driving home that afternoon, I was reminded again of how fortunate we are to enjoy such an amazing resource. The beauty of the rocks, beaches, islands, forests, snow capped mountains as well as the rich variety of marine life just never gets old for me. I love this place. And I relish the opportunity of revealing the wild wonder and beauty of BCโ€™s west coast to our guests for another year. As another season begins, I invite you to join us on one of our fishing adventures or marine tours. Or simply follow us on Facebook for regular updates on fishing conditions. Captain Turk (Andrew Turkstra) Owner and operator of Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 127 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (77)
Passion and Professionalism
The fish know \u201cTurk\u201d and fear him!
What a fun experience
+74
Angler rating
104
17
0
0
2
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
86%
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Showing:
5 of 127 reviews
Andrew D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Passion and Professionalism

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on August 22, 2024
My sister-in-law, brother, wife, and I had an absolute blast in Nanaimo fishing with Captain Turk. He was the utmost professional,...
Andrew D. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Lynn S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on July 22, 2024
This was not our first voyage with Capt Turk and it definitely wonโ€™t be our last. Even though we werenโ€™t able to keep the...
Lynn S. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Scott T.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

The fish know โ€œTurkโ€ and fear him!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on July 31, 2024
As extreme novices, we were treated to a delightful time. โ€œTurkโ€ guided us through every step. He was helpful with the...
Scott T. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Sarah B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Trip - Excellent Crew

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on July 23, 2024
We had a fantastic time with Captain Turk and crew! My husband and I both caught fish PLUS had a super surprise with our crab...
Sarah B. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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Erin C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Andrew

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - In Season (AM) on August 9, 2024
We all had an excellent time! It was such a great day Captain Turk is fun, friendly and knowledgeable!ย  Both...
Erin C. recommends Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
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